Flashline

3/26/15 | Assurance services

This week's PwC update on financial reporting developments includes: Point of view: The standard-setting process – The benefits of stakeholder engagement... ProxyPulse – First edition 2015... Shareholder activism – The who, what, when, and how... and more

3/13/15 | Assurance services

See what issues may be top-of-mind for investors for 2015 annual shareholder meetings and how management may respond.

Flashline

3/12/15 | Assurance services

This week's PwC update on financial reporting developments includes: Latest developments on implementation of the new revenue standard webcast... PwC comments on the GASB’s preliminary views on lease accounting... IFRS Taxonomy 2015... and more

Corporate Governance Series

3/3/15 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes an article on the latest on the flurry of proxy access shareholder proposals in the 2015 proxy season and how the SEC is addressing an exclusion rule used by management to keep them off the ballot. There is also news about President Obama’s recent cybersecurity actions, ISS releasing FAQs on its equity plan scorecard, the NACD’s 2015 Public Company Governance Survey, SEC proposing rules for hedging disclosure, and FASB amending its consolidation guidance.

3/2/15 | Public Sector Research Centre

The role of a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) has gained renewed interest within the federal government. A CRO can empower the agency to identify events that could negatively or positively impact the agency’s ability to meet its mission and objectives and to effectively manage the negative events, risks, while reaping the full benefits of the positive events, opportunities. In order to do this, the role must be established and implemented properly. PwC can help.

2/3/15 | Human resource services

PwC is pleased to share with you our second annual Executive Compensation: Clawbacks — Proxy Disclosure Study. This study presents our analysis of the compensation recoupment or “clawback” policies of 100 large public companies as disclosed between 2009 and 2013 in their year-end proxies. We hope this study will be helpful to those of you preparing proxies as well as those responsible for compensation strategy and financial reporting.

Corporate Governance Series

1/29/15 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes highlights of the 2014-2015 edition of PwC’s Key considerations for board and audit committee members. There is also an article on the what President Obama’s State of the Union speech could mean to companies. There is news about the SEC mulling over the shareholder proposal exclusion rule, the US Chamber of Commerce’s report on proxy advisory firms, Delaware Supreme Court affirming exclusive forum bylaws, the SEC’s new security-based swap rules and a report on building a fraud-resistant organization.

Webcast

US tax services

PwC's Tax Projects Delivery Group invites you to rewatch the webcast, Time to take action: Highly anticipated research credit regulations on internal-use software released, where our panel discusses the key issues and opportunities presented by the IRS's proposed regulations regarding internal-use software (IUS) for purposes of the Section 41 research credit

Please watch a replay of our webcast where we explore the issues highlighted by recent public policy debates around high frequency trading and dark pools.

Corporate Governance Series

1/7/15 | Center for Board Governance

This research compares the responses of PwC’s 2014 Annual Corporate Directors Survey and PwC’s 2014 Investor Survey in order to identify areas where viewpoints are shared or different perspectives may exist between directors and investors.

Corporate Governance Series

12/23/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes highlights of the 2014 edition of the comparative report of PwC’s Annual Corporate Directors Survey and Investor Survey. There is also an article on the importance of board oversight of management’s social media policies and risk management plans. There is news about the proposed CEO/median pay ratio rule, the 2014 SEC whistleblower report to Congress, the PCAOB looking to issue a concept release on audit quality indicators, and the findings of an audit committee transparency barometer.

Webcast

Healthcare

During this webcast, PwC professionals will discuss the OMB Cost, Administrative and Audit Circulars, now known as "the Uniform Guidance", affecting institutions of: higher education, hospitals, and other not-for-profit organizations. The discussion will cover Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200 (2CFR, 200): Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Corporate Governance Series

12/3/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes an article on the impact of the midterm elections on the boardroom and news about fee-shifting bylaws, proxy advisor 2015 policy updates, and the COSO survey on updating the ERM-integrated framework.

We invite you to watch a recording of our quarterly webcast, designed to keep you informed about emerging accounting, regulatory, and market developments impacting financial reporting.

Corporate Governance Series

11/4/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes highlights from the 2014 Annual Corporate Directors Survey: Trends shaping governance and the board of the future. There is also news about how ISS equity compensation and independent chair proposal recommendations may change, SEC plans to hold universal proxy ballot roundtable in 2015, political contribution disclosure increasing in S&P 500, and the PCAOB proposal for a new form for engagement partner identification disclosure.

Webcast

Human resource services

Many multinational companies have been dealing with the complex and ever changing regulatory environment in China for several years, but still struggle to keep informed of changes in tax bureaus' positions or the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) requirements.

Corporate Governance Series

10/1/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes a summary and link to the latest edition of our Audit Committee Excellence Series (Achieving excellence: Overseeing external auditors.) There is also news about efforts by two large institutional investors to boost the number of female board members, what makes for an effective board self-evaluation, an update on Dodd-Frank rulemaking, and the FASB and PCAOB decisions regarding going concern disclosures

9/30/14 | Insurance

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners held its Summer National Meeting in Louisville from August 16 to 19. This newsletter contains information on activities that occurred in some of the committees, task forces and working groups that met there.

9/4/14 | Center for Board Governance

As cybersecurity has risen to the top of many boards’ risk management agendas, there is a more compelling need for clear dialogue between the C-suite and the board.

8/26/14 | Real estate

Single family homes and student housing are two areas that are gaining popularity with real estate investors. In this issue, we also provide our perspective on the latest market and economic trends, regulatory activities and legislative changes affecting the real estate industry.

Corporate Governance Series

8/25/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes an analysis of the audit committee's oversight of internal audit. There is also news about the SEC staff issuing proxy advisory firm guidance, ISS 2015 proxy voting policy survey, and more.

8/6/14 | PwC Investor Resource Institute

Companies often use non-GAAP financial measures to provide insights into their business. Investment professionals share their perspectives on the value to investors, their effect on transparency, and perceptions on management.

Enhancing the transparency of non-GAAP financial measures can help users better understand past performance, read our Point of view to find out more.

Corporate Governance Series

7/1/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes an article about the influence of activist shareholders and the role they play today in forcing change. There is also news about a Delaware bill that would prohibit fee-shifting bylaws, environmental groups warning boards of fossil fuel companies about climate-change litigation, the new converged revenue recognition standard, and the first round of conflict minerals disclosures.

PwC's summary of recent activities of the PCAOB, SEC, and FASB, and related international developments that are of interest to audit committees and companies.

6/10/14 | Assurance services

Our benchmarking of some of the largest companies' conflict minerals filings provides insight into industry trends. We looked at 10 filings for each of the following industries: Aerospace & defense, Automotive, Industrial products, Retail, and Technology.

Sustainability reporting is a growing trend. Find out how leading companies are benefitting from increased transparency.

Corporate Governance Series

5/30/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes an article about the meaning of risk appetite and the role the board and management play. There is also news about a Delaware court decision on fee-shifting bylaws, the new Venezuelan foreign currency exchange regime and an update on the 2014 shareholder proposals, the proposals for Audit Quality Indicators and the conflict minerals disclosure rule.

Corporate Governance Series

5/1/14 | Center for Board Governance

This issue of BoardroomDirect® includes an article on coverage of the PCAOB’s public meeting on its proposed changes to the auditor’s reporting model. The newsletter also contains an analysis of the federal government’s cybersecurity framework, a call by some to raise the shareholder proposal threshold, and the possibility that the SEC may weigh actions on proxy advisory firms. There is some news for audit committees: comments by the CAQ on the EU audit market changes, PwC’s 2014 State of the Internal Audit Profession Study, and a federal court decision on the SEC’s conflict minerals disclosure rule.

4/30/14 | Assurance services

The SEC has reduced some of the conflict mineral disclosures, but the filing deadline remains June 2, 2014.

4/17/14 | Human resource services

This PwC publication presents our analysis of 2009 through 2012 year-end proxy disclosures for 100 large public companies relative to their compensation recoupment or “clawback” policies. When providing employees with bonuses, stock options, or other incentive awards, companies often establish provisions that allow them to recoup all or a portion of the award under certain circumstances. These provisions, referred to as clawbacks, are detailed by most public companies in their annual proxy statement.

4/11/14 | Assurance services

Preparers and others have a role in making sure footnote disclosures are clear and understandable.

4/9/14 | Assurance services

With the deadline for conflict minerals reporting and disclosure fast approaching, PwC recently surveyed 700 stakeholders on their preparation, progress, and challenges. We found many will need to rush to comply with the conflict minerals rule mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act.

Corporate Governance Series

3/27/14 | Center for Board Governance

The inaugural edition of PwC’s Audit Committee Excellence Series covers a company’s forward-looking guidance practices and the potential risks associated with analysts’ consensus estimates. It provides board-level perspectives regarding current trends as well as the advantages and disadvantages of providing guidance.

This document provides a summary of activities of the PCAOB, SEC, and FASB, and related international developments that are of interest to audit committees and companies.

Corporate Governance Series

3/3/14 | Assurance services

This PwC publication is intended to help management and the board of directors of public companies prepare for the annual meeting of shareholders. It contains example questions on topics that may be top-of-mind for shareholders, along with background information and suggested actions for management’s consideration.

At the 2013 AICPA National Conference on Banks and Savings Institutions, regulators and standard setters shared views on top-of-mind issues for financial institutions.

10/1/13 | Power & utilities

What regulatory changes would be required for renewable power companies to access financing alternatives such as REITs and MLPs? What are the benefits and the regulatory challenges of each alternative?

This document provides a high-level summary of activities of the FASB, PCAOB, SEC and related international developments.

Webcast

Assurance services

Almost 9 months into the first year of compliance, where does your company stand? Do you have a clear path forward to your first conflict minerals filing deadline? Watch this webcast where we share our perspective on the latest developments (including the legal challenge), considerations as you close out your first year of compliance, what to expect in the independent private sector audit – and how to prepare, and examples of how leading companies are addressing their compliance efforts.

Various provisions of Dodd-Frank require banks to incorporate credit exposures from derivatives and securities financing transactions when calculating prudential limits.

7/11/13 | Assurance services

PwC surveyed companies to determine their level of understanding of and progress toward conflict minerals rule compliance. The results of the survey across several industries is included in this report.

Video

6/18/13 | Assurance services

In this video, PwC discusses preparing to access the capital markets.

10Minutes

6/4/13 | Assurance services

After three years of outreach and deliberation, the IASB and FASB recently issued a revised proposal to overhaul the rules on accounting for leases, a move that could significantly boost US companies' reported debt.

10Minutes

5/9/13 | Assurance services

10Minutes on conflict minerals provides insight into the strategic benefits and risks companies will want to focus on as they comply with the SEC's conflict minerals rule. The rule is effective for 2013 calendar year operations, so regardless of whether companies view conflict minerals as a supply chain opportunity, risk to their brand or another regulatory to-do, they should act now to prepare.

4/15/13 | PwC Investor Resource Institute

Companies in the United States typically follow generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) when preparing financial statements. A non-GAAP measure is defined as a measure that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included (or excluded) in the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Read why members of the investment community find non-GAAP measures useful.

Dataline

12/3/12 | Assurance services

This year end, entities continue to face many complex financial reporting issues such as providing new fair value disclosures, accounting for debt modifications, and evaluating revenue recognition guidance. Economic challenges around the world continue to have broad financial reporting implications. While not an all-inclusive list, this Dataline is intended to serve as a timely reminder of leading practices and lessons learned on key issues that companies should consider as they navigate the year-end financial reporting process.

Dataline

10/18/12 | Assurance services

The 2012 AICPA National Conference on Banks and Savings Institutions was held September 10 through 12, 2012 in Washington, DC. Representatives from the banking regulators, SEC, and standard setters presented at the Conference along with auditors, users, preparers, and industry experts. Presenters expressed views on a wide range of important accounting, auditing, and financial reporting topics. This Dataline provides highlights of topics discussed at the Conference.

9/17/12 | Assurance services

The new conflict minerals rule: What it means for you

Dataline

9/11/12 | Assurance services

On August 22, 2012, the SEC approved a final rule requiring certain issuers to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals [tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold] and whether those minerals originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC") or adjoining countries (“covered countries”). This Dataline looks at the key provisions of the final rule. Also included is a supplement on frequently asked questions on conflict minerals.

Dataline

8/8/12 | Assurance services

The SEC Staff recently published its final Staff Report regarding the potential impact of incorporation of IFRS into the US financial reporting system. This Dataline looks at the six key areas covered in the Staff Report and offers our observations.

PwC examines, and shares our views on, the PCAOB's concept release on the auditor's reporting model including the expanded use of emphasis paragraphs

Dataline

4/30/12 | Assurance services

The JOBS Act of 2012 created a number of special accommodations under the U.S. securities laws for a newly designated group of companies known as "emerging growth companies" (EGCs). A principal goal of the JOBS Act (which is short for the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act) is to encourage job creation and economic growth by making it easier for private companies to access the public capital markets. This Dataline provides responses to frequently asked questions about the EGC provisions of Title I of the JOBS Act.

Practical tip

4/24/12 | Assurance services

Ordinarily, a company preparing an SEC filing must apply all accounting standards (including transition provisions) as if it had always been a public company. The JOBS Act of 2012, however, provides an exception to this general rule. Under Section 102(b) of the JOBS Act, an emerging growth company (EGC) may apply any new or revised financial accounting standard on the same date a company that is not an issuer (as defined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) is required to apply the new or revised accounting standard, if the standard applies to a non-issuer. This Practical tip highlights that an EGC should evaluate whether it needs to make disclosures relating to transition to new or revised accounting standards in its next SEC filing.